This article was compiled from: Bleacher Report
Written by Andy Bailey
原标题：How Houston Rockets Can Use Trades, Free Agency to Re-Build Around James Harden
Rumors of Harden's reunion with the Rockets have been circulating for months. Recently, 76ers reporter Keith Pompey reported that multiple sources revealed that Harden is expected to return to the Rockets. So how can the Rockets use this summer to re-build their team around Harden? Bleacher Report alike Andy Bailey reported that six players could be targets for the Rockets, plus they could consider package trades for Porter Jr. and Jaylen Green.
Harden could take a pay cut for a longer contract
Chris Haynes said: "If the Rockets are focused on reuniting with Harden, then they need to rebuild their roster to attract him. The Rockets have a promising young core and a No. 4 pick in this year's draft, and the team's record last season was 22-60, the worst in the West with the Spurs.
On the upside, the Rockets' roster is flexible enough to reshape the team at any time, at least in terms of salary space. They expect to create salary space of $48.1 million to $65.1 million in the offseason.
Harden's annual salary this season is $33 million, and if he chooses to execute the player option, the 2023-24 season is $35.6 million (although that is already unlikely). The Rockets can sign him directly, his new contract starts at $46.9 million, and he can also give some discounts in exchange for a longer term, and the Rockets are likely willing to give him a four-year contract.
What free agents can the Rockets sign?
Harden will turn 34 in August, and many times his form will decline at the end of the season and in the playoffs, and if Harden is willing to lower some salary requirements, the Rockets may have a chance to sign another influential free agent, or even more than one.
The Bleacher Report lists six names that aren't flashy choices.
First, Thomas Bryant, who averaged 12.1 points per game and shot 71.2% from the field before trading to the Nuggets;
Second, Jay Crowder, a winger who can change defenses indefinitely, has averaged 9.4 points per game and shot 37.4% from three-point range in the past three years;
Third, Dwight Powell, an interior player who can score under the basket, will like Harden's open passes;
Fourth, Andre Drummond, who is only 29 years old and has never been with a core organization like Harden for a long time;
Two more targets for the Rockets can focus on, and that is Beverley and TJ Warren. Beverley has partnered with Harden with the Rockets, and it's not impossible for the two to team up again.
Rockets can be traded in a package Porter + Green
Of course, the Rockets can also trade to acquire more quality players. If the team brings in Harden, they can basically give up Kevin Porter Jr. and use him as a bargaining chip (note: his annual salary is $18.2 million), and the Rockets can give another young player, such as Green, Smith and Shin Kyung, what kind of player can such an offer be exchanged for?
Of the three, the most likely to be hooked up is Jaylen Green. Last month, there were reports that the Rockets were willing to trade Green for fame.
Packing Porter Jr. and Green together could seek a player in the market with an annual salary of around $30 million, a list that could include Ayton, Jaylen Brown or DeRozan. The Suns and Greens are still championship contenders and should have little interest in the Rockets' offer, but the Bulls are likely to rebuild and they should be attracted.
One thing is for sure, if Harden joins the Rockets as expected, he will surely bring back some fans for Houston. His return should also boost the Rockets' hopes of returning to the playoffs.